Monday, November 15, 2010

Nippy Ol' Jack Frost

So far, this November has been nothing but frosty nights, glorious days and especially silvery mornings here at Blooming Hill. Even though it's been a little too warm for roasting chestnuts, at least during the daylight hours, Jack Frost is certainly making his presence known by not only nipping at our noses but also, nipping around the gardens during the "wee" hours. Every day last week, I awoke to a light sugar frosted coating on the ground as well as the plants and trees. Even the greenhouse, with it's steamy windows and shrouded in mist, looked magical in the early morning light, thanks to the intricate artistry of Jack Frost, and, maybe a little help from Mother Nature's own portfolio of water colors.

The last hold-outs of the blooming season have been especially vibrant and seem to enjoy their "powdery-puff" blush as well. They look just as lovely, dusted in frost, as they did when they were first planted way back in April and May. Although now more bold and mature, the mauve-pink mums to the midnight blue petunias still vie for as much attention as they can demand yet seem serene, clothed in lacy ice crystals. In the language of flowers, petunias are double-edged. They can either convey resentment and anger or say, "Your presence soothes me." Jack Frost's handy work on their petals is certainly soothing on these chilly mornings while the chrysanthemums, in general, reflect cheerful perfection as their meaning applies.

And, the autumn color? Well, just like the "Ever Ready Bunny," it keeps on going and going. Jack Frost seems especially intent on preserving the brilliant reds down to the last leaves still clinging to the trees! Set against the clear blue sky of the early morning, the textures of the garden are accentuated by the icy moisture of late autumn and it is evident that Jack stays up late into the evenings, working under the stars painting picture perfect frosty mornings that lead to high-def afternoons, as only he can do...what an artist!

The legend of Jack Frost, beyond what we see in holiday cartoons, originates in Scandinavia, although he is claimed by Russian folklore as well. Probably not a big surprise, when you think about it, given the frosty climates of both Northern Europe and Northern Russia. Since my heritage is Swedish and German, I'm going to stick to the Scandinavian version in this blog entry. Jack, or "Jokul Frosti," some kind of elfish creature, was so named by the Vikings and means "Icicle Frosting."Jack was, and still is, credited for the beautiful, almost etched-like patterns we see sprinkling our windows, ground, plants and leaves during the winter months anywhere in the world. Of course, somebody had to name him, because he is quite a talented fellow, carefully painting each blade of grass and flower petal with his very special paint brushes dipped in frosty white.

Whether you picture him as "nipping" or "painting" at the garden foliage and structures, that's for you to decide. It's a personal thing and all any of us can do at this time of the year is enjoy his artistry as he transforms the garden palette from warm to cool colors. For me, seeing his work up close and personal, I think he cannot possibly be a nasty little elf that some may want to portray him as, but more like a gentle, creative soul giving warning of harsh weather in our midst, in his own unique and beautiful style.

Take Home a Piece of Virginia!

PAGES

The Blooming Hill Garden Shop

Our GPS/MapQuest address is 19929 Telegraph Springs Road Purcellville, VA 20132. We are located in Philomont just off of historic Snickersville Turnpike. Our shop is open Fridays and Saturdays 10am until 5pm and other days by appointment or request. We hope to see you soon!

Blooming Hill Events and Happenings

Saturday, August 5 - Private wedding shower tea party here at Blooming Hill. Blooming Hill Shop and grounds will be open to the public.

Saturday, August 12 - Private evening wedding here at Blooming Hill(5pm until 9pm). Blooming Hill shop and grounds will be open until 3pm.

Saturday, August 26 - Private Baby Shower Event here at the farmlet. The shop and grounds are open to the public. 10am until 5 pm

Monday, August 28 - Market Street Writer's Workshop and Tea, 10 am until 12 noon, here at the farmlet. Open to the public. Contact Lisa Coburn at www.marketstreetwriters.com for cost and information.

Tuesday, September 12 - Loudoun County Weaver's and Textiles Group here at the farmlet for tea. 12 noon.

Saturday and Sunday, September 16 and 17 - Visit Blooming Hill's Booth at The Bluemont Fair. Blooming Hill Shop and Grounds are open in Philomont, too.

Saturday, September 23 - United States Lavender Growers Association South Atlantic Region #12 Gathering here at the Farmlet, 10am until 3pm. The shop and grounds are open to the public, 10am until 5pm.

Saturday, September 23 - United State Lavender Growers Association South Atlantic Region 12 Meeting here at Blooming Hill. The Blooming Hill Shop and grounds are open, to the public too.

Saturday and Sunday, October 20 and 21 - Loudoun County Fall Farm and Color Tour. Visit the farmlet for tea and scones. $15/person. No reservations necessary. Rain or shine.

Friday and Saturday, December 1 and 2 - Holiday Greens Workshop and Tea, here at the farmlet. More details to follow.

Stay tuned...There's always more to see and do at Blooming Hill!

Press

HSA Potomac Unit Member

Lavender Sparkling Wine with lavender chocolates.

Press

Living the rural life!

A little bit about me

It started innocently enough. After a rewarding career in retail management in the Washington, D.C. area, I've been growing and selling lavender for over 20 years here in the rolling, green foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge in Western Loudoun County of Northern Virginia. Through the years, I have collected more than 90 different varieties of this beautiful plant and, along with my landscape architect husband, Peter, I welcome garden clubs, groups, guests and visitors to Blooming Hill from April through December. Our son, Kevin, now graduated from college, and on his way to medical school, often stops by to help out around the place and our loving and loyal black lab, Tucker, is always at the ready to welcome you. I love this little piece of paradise we call home and business and I love to share my experiences in gardening and living life among the flora and fauna of a tiny rural hamlet. Aside from gardening and growing lavender, I love to go antiquing, and you can often find me on the golf course trying to conquer the game. It's never a dull moment in my life. Besides, there is never any time to waste on dull moments!